Rotary pipe-connecting device



Nov. 29, 1927. 1,650,788

c. w. DAUGHS ROTARY PIPE CONNECTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 12. 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Z7 llllilllll C-N. DAL/G445 Nov. 29, 192 7.

C. W. DAUGHS ROTARY PIPE CONNECTING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FT Q45 Filed Aqz. 12, 1924 HIIHIIH IHIIIHHIIIHIIII llllililllllllll fnven for C N DAUQHS fihorzzay.

Patented Nov. 29, 1927.

UNITED STATES CHARLES W. DAUGHS, OFPQRTLAND,OREGON, ASSIGNOR T DAUGHS SHIP CR AFNE COMPANY, A GORPORATION OFOREGON. I

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Application iiletlnilgust 12, 1924. serial no. 731,553..

This invention relates to arotary pipe connection for steam engines. 3 3

The general object of the invention is to provide an improved connection which will enable a rotating steam engine to remain in constant communication with a fixed source of steam supply. a f

One of the specific objects of theinvention is to provide a rotary Connection device M which will enable a crane engine to be continuously operated from a fixed boiler while the crane is sluing back and forth.

Another object of the invention is toprovide a rotary connectingdevice including a M fixed base member and a movable valve member with means whereby the fixed mem her is in communication with theboiler and the movable member is in communication with the cylinders of a steam engine. 1 I

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein Fig. 1 is an elevation of a crane showing my invention applied thereto; Fig. 2 is a section on line 2-2, Fig. 3; Fig. 3 is a section on line 33, Fig. 2;-Fig. 4 is an elevation of a connectingmemberyFig. 5 is a central section through the connecting mem ber; Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of the con nect-ing member and Fig.7 is a sectional detail showing the packing.

Referring ,to the (lIELWlIlQj by reference characters, I have indicated my structure generally at 10. This new structure is shown in the accompanying drawing as associated with a crane 11 which comprises standards 12,rack and roller path 14, base plate 15 and engine 16. The crane is provided with a boom 17 with amast- 18. and with boom. and load hoist cables 19 and 20. Cranes of this character are adapted to rotate about the central mast and to carry merchandise and other: articles from place to place. r

The details of the crane and its mountings are shown and described in my copending applications. In the present ap plication I describe my novel mechanism in use with a crane but it will be understood that it is equally well adapted for use for other purposes. I

In order that a continuous flow of steam may be furnished from a boiler to the crane engine While the crane is sluing back and polar hollow cavity 45 which extends enforth, provide the improved rotary steam connection 10. This valve comprisesa body portion '25 which is shown as provided with an eccentric recess 26 therein. Within this eccentric recess I providefa member 27 which is adapted to rotate freely in the recess:26. The inner wall of the body is provided with piston ring grooves 30 forthe reception of piston rings 31 while themember .27 is provided withpiston rings 33 fitted therein, in piston ring grooves 32. The grooves in the. piston rings are so placedthat the outward thrust of'the rings is against the outside wall on both the inside and the outside portionsof themember 27. Inorder to secure the member 27 in place', I provide a closure .35. This closure 35. in reality comprises a pairof annular members having aspace 35 between them. The member 27 is provided with rabbeted portions 37, 38 to receive steam packing 39. The closures 35 are provided with p'ackingrings 40 which engage the packing 39 to force the latter to place. The closures 35 may be held in place by bolts 41. The packing. rings 40 are shown as coacting withthreaded members 42 which serve to adjust the packing rings downwardly against the packing 39 to insure atight join-t.

",The member 27 is provided with an antirely around the valve. This. cavity is shown as communicating with a fixed steam pipe 16 shown as arranged in the stationary body 25. In order that the engine 16 may be continuously in communication with the chamber 415 and consequently with the steam line46 to a boiler. I provide a coupling mem ber shown at 50. This coupling member serves to connect the rotary member 27 with a steam line 48 which is in communication with the cylinders 49 of the engine 16 as shown in Fig. 1. p

The coupling member 50 comprises a body part having a passage 51 therethrough. The body part has an annular flange 52 at the top thereof and the portion of the passage 51 adjacent the flange is round. At the lower end a flange 53 is provided. This latter flange is arcuate at its inner and outer edges 54; and 55 to fit within therecess 35.

As the engine moves back and forth the member 27 rotates within the body 25 and continuously supplies steam to the engine 16. In order that the rotational thrust may betaken from the steam connection 48 I provide a pair of brackets 60jas shown in Fig. 4:.

These brackets 60 are preferably arranged on diametrically opposed sidesof the valve 27. One end of each bracket; is secured to the member 27 while the other end of the bracket may be secured to a fastening member 61 in the base plate (shown in dotted mounted on said supports and surrounding said mast, and havinga cavity therein, an annular member rotatably mounted in said cavity to provide asteam cavity, a steam line leading to said first mentioned cavity, a second steam line fixed on said annular memberand mounted to rotate therewith, said second steam line being adapted to be secured tow a steam engine and means to prolio ide a fluid-tight joint between said memers.

2. In a steam pipe connecting device, the combination witha fixed mast, of supports about said mast, an annular body member surrounding said mast and having an up wardly facing cavity therein, an annular member mounted to rotate in said cavity, said member having a downwardly facing cavity therein, a steam line leading to said first mentioned cavity, a second steam line fixed on said annular member and mounted to rotate therewitlnsaid second steam line being adapted to be secured to a steam engine, packing rings engaging said body member and said annular member to provide a fluid tight joint, a cavity between said member and said body, packing in said cavity, and means mounted on said body and adapted to engage saidmember to hold the latter in place. k

4. In a steam pipe connecting device, a

mast, a base, a rotary member mounted to rotate on said base, a steam engine mounted on said member, a separately mountedjsource I, o

of steam and means to afford a continuous flow of. steam from the source to the steam engine While themember is rotating, said means including a fixedbody member surroundingsaid must, a member engaging said fixed member to rotate thereon, a steam cavity between said members, a steam conduit passing through the fixed member and connected to'the source of steam, a second steam conduit engaging said rotary member and mounted to rotate therewith, said second steam line being adapt'edto supply steam to the engine, and means to provide a fluid tight joint, between said fixed member and said rotaiymember. I

In testimony whereof, I hereunto afiix my signature.

CHARLES W. DAUGHS. 

